World Book Day (23 April)

 

World Book Day (23 April)

 

“A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” – George R.R. Martin

 

  

Introduction:

 

International Children’s Book Day is on 2nd April and World Book Day is on 23rd April. These are the two important events celebrated all over the world with a common motive, i.e. to promote reading habits in children. Books are an integral part of everyone's life. It not only increases our knowledge but also plays the role of a true friend in loneliness. World Book Day is organized every year by UNESCO to promote the habit of reading. This year the 25th edition of World Book Day will be celebrated.

 

During World Book Day, children are given an opportunity to talk about their favourite books, learn more about their favourite authors and explore new stories and authors. This means that children should be able to get at least one new book each year, encouraging a love of reading and books in all. It is also an objective to promote literacy across the world through this day.

 

 

World Book Day 2021-Theme:

 

On the day of World Book Day, UNESCO and its other affiliated organizations also choose the World Book Capital for the coming year. Its purpose is to organize programmes around books for the next one year. By the way, the purpose of celebrating World Book Day all over the world is to make people aware of the importance of books. UNESCO started celebrating this day on 23 April 1995.

 

Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, has been chosen to be the World Book Capital in 2021.

‘‘To share a story’’ would be the theme of this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, keeping the pandemic in mind.

 

The theme of the year 2020 was-

"Books: A Window into the World during COVID-19"

 

 

 

World Book Day History:

 

(History of World Book Day - Why World Book Day is celebrated on 23rd April?)
 

 

World Book Day, also known as the World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book is celebrated every year on 23^rd April. Copyright Day is also celebrated along with World Book Day to encourage authors, publishers, private and government educational institutions, NGOs, etc.

 

World Book Day was celebrated for the first time in the year 1923 in memory of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. In 1995 UNESCO decided that 23 April would be celebrated as World Book Day because on this date the birth anniversary or death anniversary of famous writers William Shakespeare, Vladimir Nabokov, Mamuel Sezia Velez, Joseph Pla, Maurice Druon and Halldor Laxness etc. On this day Miguel de Cervantes was buried (died - April 22, 1616) so this day was celebrated as World Book Day.

UNESCO started celebrating World Book Day on 23 April 1995.

 

 

World Book Day is celebrated in different ways in the world:

 

 

World Book Day is celebrated in different ways in different countries of the world. Somewhere books are distributed free of cost and competitions are organized at some places. The Reading Marathon is organized in Spain for two days. At the end, a writer is awarded the Miguel de Cervantes Prize. On this day writing competitions are organized in schools and colleges everywhere. This year there is doubt on such an event due to corona infection.

 

 

School Report:

 

The Avon School organized a ‘Workshop on Reading Skills’ consisting of different fun filled activities for age group: 6 to 10 years, i.e. from Class 1 to 5. The resource persons made the students play ‘Spell Bee’, ‘Nursery Rhyme Competitions’, ‘Word Sound Game’, ‘Word Search’, ‘Reading Riddle Maze Game’, ‘Read Aloud Questions’, ‘Story Sequencing’, ‘Chinese Checkers’, ‘Scrabble’ etc.

 

Each section of each class from Class 1 to 5 was allotted an author to read all his/her books and to make ‘Book Jacket’, ‘Book Cover’, ‘Book Reviews’, ‘Book Enactment’ and ‘Characters Fancy Dress’.

 

The school organized a ‘Book Fair’ collaborated with Scholastic Publications and the local publishers of children’s books. The students were given coupons and gift vouchers too. The parents were also invited to the ‘Book Fair’.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

World Book and Copyright Day is inspired by the sole purpose of 'Enhance Book Reading Habits'. Through this, this tendency is to be encouraged especially among children. At present, millions of citizens in 100 countries, hundreds of voluntary organizations, academia, public institutions, business groups and individuals associated with private business celebrate 'World Book and Copyright Day'. As a result of this background and the current social and educational environment, World Book and Copyright Day has acquired historical significance.

 

Books serve as messengers of knowledge and morality, an integral wealth, a window to different types of culture and a tool for discussion and are seen as material splendour. This also protects the ownership of creative artists. The public awareness programme organized for this occasion has a positive effect on the society.

 

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”- Stephen King

 

Also read: International Children's Book Day (2 April)